This week marks the start of the Fall 2011 semester. While the current heat wave reminds us that it’s still summer, the sudden influx of students on campus as they search for classrooms, buy their textbooks and seek assistance means that Cal State Northridge is back in full swing and focused on its mission to help students achieve their academic and long-range goals.
The start of a new academic year is a busy but exhilarating time and I always look forward to welcoming our new and returning students. Despite the myriad challenges faced by higher education today, as I proudly noted during my recent President’s Convocation address, Cal State Northridge’s commitment to promote the learning and growth of our students remains undimmed. We have the privilege of helping students become the next generation of leaders in their professions and communities, and instilling in them the same spirit of optimism, confidence and resourcefulness that exists among the faculty and staff on campus.
The coming weeks and months will be a busy time as we help students settle into their classes and become engaged with Cal State Northridge. On Thursday, September 1, we will have the Welcome Back Picnic, which will be followed by events like the Freshman Convocation on September 8. I look forward to highlighting these and other University events and accomplishments at this blog.
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The President’s Convocation address from August 25, 2011, titled “California State University, Northridge: A Place of Abundance,” is now online here.
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This past spring and early summer, I had the privilege to help host the Honored Faculty Reception and the Staff Service and Recognition of Excellence Event. These events have great meaning for me personally because they focus on the achievements and service of the faculty and staff who make this University shine through their commitment to the students and community we serve. As we begin a new academic year, I wanted to be sure I brought attention to these memorable events and to the people who were honored.
45th Annual Staff Service and Recognition of Excellence Event
The Annual Staff Service and Recognition of Excellence Event celebrates the exemplary service and achievements of faculty and staff. This year’s theme was “We Are One: Celebrating Collaboration, Connectivity, and Character.” The event recognized those who have served the University 5, 10, 15, and more years. Indeed, this year’s honorees included individuals who have served Cal State Northridge for 25, 30, 35, and 40 years! Everyone who was recognized deserves the thanks and appreciation of their colleagues for contributing to the excellence and strength of our institution.
The ceremony traditionally also includes merit award presentations, culminating with the Presidential Award and the Team Award. This year’s Presidential Award honoree was Professor Jerry Luedders for his accomplishments as music professor, department chair, assistant provost and, particularly, his work in helping to bring the Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University, Northridge to fruition as the facility’s new associate executive director.
The Team Award went to the University-Wide Learning Management System Moodle Implementation Team, led by Dr. David Levin, Senior Director of Academic Technology from the Information Technology division. Dr. Levin led a cross-divisional team to make the complex and intensive transition to Moodle, a new learning management system, as smooth and seamless as possible.
Team Award honorees
My congratulations to Professor Luedders, Dr. Levin and the University-Wide Learning Management System Moodle Implementation Team, and all the honorees at the event for their well-earned recognitions. Their work exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and the high level of competence and professionalism that are hallmarks of the University.
Honored Faculty Reception
The 2011 Honored Faculty Reception was held on May 23, 2011. The event recognized new emeriti faculty and presented awards for excellence in the areas of Outstanding Faculty; Distinguished Teaching, Counseling, or Librarianship; Preeminent Scholarly Publication; Exceptional Creative Accomplishment; Extraordinary Service; and Visionary Community Service-Learning. Organized by the Faculty Senate, the annual event is an opportunity for the faculty to recognize and celebrate the achievements of their colleagues.
As University President, I am privileged to have the opportunity to co-sponsor the event and to join the Faculty President in bringing attention to the extraordinary people who engage in the teaching, scholarship and service that define the very mission of our University. As a member of the faculty myself, I know the hard work that is required to be a good teacher and scholar, and I always enjoy the opportunity to spend time with academic friends and colleagues.
These events were particularly significant to me this year because they are the last I will be participating in as this institution’s president. It was an opportunity for me to remind faculty and staff that they are the true heart and soul of the University, and that without their contributions and commitment, Cal State Northridge would not be the exceptional place it is. This is a message I will continue to impart in the coming months as I prepare to step down. Over the 11-plus years I have been privileged to lead this institution, the hard work and efforts of the faculty and staff on behalf of our students have made my job as the University’s “head cheerleader” easy to do and a true joy.
Below are photos from the Honored Faculty Reception.
Below are photos from the Staff Service and Recognition of Excellence Event.
Presidential Merit Award honoree
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The President’s 12th Annual Convocation address to faculty and staff is scheduled for Thursday, August 25, 2011, on the Oviatt Library’s south lawn. The event will begin with the traditional coffee with light refreshments at 8:30 a.m., followed by the President’s Convocation address at 9 a.m.
The Convocation address is entitled, “California State University, Northridge: A Place of Abundance.” Please note that this is President Koester’s final Convocation before she steps down at the end of the calendar year.
The Convocation traditionally kicks off the new academic year for University faculty and staff.
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This week marks the start of the Fall 2011 semester. While the current heat wave reminds us that it’s still summer, the sudden influx of students on campus as they search for classrooms, buy their textbooks and seek assistance means that Cal State Northridge is back in full swing and focused on its mission to help students achieve their academic and long-range goals.
